David Haye reveals retirement plans: This is why I haven’t done it yet
DAVID HAYE feels he still has a lot to prove after his defeat to Wladimir Klitschko back in 2011.
David Haye is still fighting five years after he thought he would have retired
David Haye is currently preparing for a grudge match against Tony Bellew on March 4 at the O2 Arena.
But Haye, 36, still feels he is not completely recognised for his achievements because he lost to Klitschko five years ago - only the second defeat of his professional career.
“I said even as a 10-year-old kid that I wanted to retire before my 31st birthday but I didn’t envisage losing to Wladimir Klitschko in my last fight,” Haye said.
David Haye is currently preparing to fight Tony Bellew
I wanted to retire before my 31st birthday but I didn’t think I'd lose to Wladimir Klitschko
“If I’d won that fight I’m sure that I would have stayed retired.
“I’ve only had three fights since then so I don’t think I’ve had the opportunity to prove how good I really am as a heavyweight.
“I’d hate to be judged on that performance against Klitschko but there’s big strong undefeated young heavyweight guys out there against who I can prove how good I am.”
“Recovery from a big fight sometimes takes five months.
“But now I think I’m in a physical position where I will be able to box a lot more regularly.
“I want to do three fights a year now.”